Second World War spigot mortar emplacement at High Beeches (EHER 10387)

A Second World War steel and concrete spigot mortar pit survived in a raised lawn when visited (and possibly excavated) by the Defence of Britain project in November 1994, however, the garden has since been developed for housing.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Immediately behind the front hedge, beside the entrance to "High Beeches", is a spigot mortar pit fully excavated with alcoves, pedestal and concrete base. The pedestal is in fine condition with typically pristine stainless steel pintle. The alcoves and walls are constructed of brick which is slightly crumbling. Unusually, there are just two ammunition alcoves (on the west side) instead of the normal four. The whole structure is set in a raised lawn. There are signs of a trench leading north from the pit but this has not been excavated. A wartime map of Home Guard dispositions in the area shows that this locality was the H.Q. of "C" Company Home Guard. <1> Two photos of site. <2> Spigot mortar pit fully excavated with alcoves, pedestal and concrete base. The pedestal is in fine condition with pristine stainless steel pintle. The alcoves and walls are constructed of brick. The whole structure is set in a raised lawn. This locality was the HQ of 'C' Company, Home Guard. Located beside the entrance to 'High Beeches', Wendens Ambo - immediately behind the front hedge. <3> A linear area of disturbed ground, which could be associated with the Second World War spigot mortar pit, is visible on aerial photographs taken in 1947. The area is centred at TL 5145 3647, measures 15m long by 5m wide and is parallel to the road which passes to the south. <4> See also: <5>